Tinkler delighted to get Zaynar chance

The Nicky Henderson-trained grey was going to be ridden by 14-times champion jockey Tony McCoy after stablemate Binocular was ruled out of Tuesday's feature through injury.

However, Binocular – third in last year's race – has since recovered from a muscle setback and delighted connections in a workout yesterday, paving the way for Tinkler to be reunited with Zaynar.

Having ridden last year's Triumph Hurdle winner to victory at Ascot last November, Tinkler is unperturbed by the horse's surprise defeat at Kelso last month in heavy going.

He believes Zaynar will be a far better proposition on good ground, which is forecast, and that the jockey – who is riding with great maturity and confidence – is delighted that his efforts in the saddle have been recognised.

"There's no better stable in the country when it comes to the Champion Hurdle – and I've ridden a horse at such short odds in such a major race before," said Tinkler, 24. "The big races are what you want to win – and I'm delighted to have the chance."

If Zaynar, Binocular or Punjabi, last year's winner, go past the post in first place, it will see Henderson match the record five Champion Hurdles won by the retired North Yorkshire trainer Peter Easterby.

Meanwhile, Tinkler's close friend, Sam Thomas, the 2008 Gold Cup-winning jockey, will be out of action for six weeks after suffering a cracked vertebra following a fall at champion trainer Paul Nicholls's yard on Thursday.